Ben Mathews

Benjamine F Mathews passed away in his sleep on September 3rd, 2026, at the age of 72, in his home in Cannonville, UT. Ben was born to Wayne and Louise Mathews on August 16, 1954, in Cedar City, Utah. His dad, Wayne, tragically passed away when he was four years old. Louise then married Don Mangum and helped raise Ben. Ben will be well remembered. He touched many people with his unique style. His family likes to say people liked him more than he liked people. He was a quiet man until he had something to say and was quick with his words. There are many stories to be told about him, some of which shouldn’t be told in good company.

Ben was the 3rd oldest of six children. He is survived by his wife Diana and his siblings Clifford, John, David, and Janie. As well as step-siblings Melvin and Judy. Also surviving him are his sons Layne, Lloyd (Michelle), David (Katie), and Trevor (Kelynn). And his eight grandchildren: Tristan, Chloe, Brodee, McKenzie, Drey, Lakelyn, Carlee, and Dex. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister Kay.

Ben had many unique jobs and opportunities that shaped him into the man we all know and love. He rodeoed, riding bulls & broncs, and jockeyed racehorses when he was younger. He volunteered to serve in the Marines from 1972-1974. After the Marines, Ben worked at a dairy farm in Oregon while hitchhiking all over the state. He later went to Page, AZ, with his brother John to work as a cook. Afterward, he went to the Grand Canyon to work as a mule packer and to wrangle dudes. While working at the Grand Canyon, he met and married the love of his life, Diana Lynn Hass, on a cold and windy day, April 8th 1978, at Yaki Point on the South Rim of the Grand Canyon. He also built roads and locations for oil rigs. He later retired as a shed foreman for Garfield County roads.

In his free time, Ben enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, and going on buggy rides with the family, traveling the country to chase grandkids and rodeo life. He was the Scoutmaster for over twenty years. He took pride in teaching young men life skills. He also received the highest honor that a local BSA member can receive: the Silver Beaver Award. He was well known around the community for his work as the Scoutmaster. Ben was a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and supported his family and community in every opportunity he could. He was also a cancer survivor.

He never apologized for the way he lived his life.

“My Hell my luck ran out” – Ben Mathews

Services will be held September 11, 2026 at Noon at the Cannonville Chapel. The viewing will be held from 10:00-11:30 AM that morning. Burial will be held in the Georgetown Cemetery with Military Honors by the Bryce Valley American Legion Post #18. Funeral Directors: Magleby Mortuary, Richfield, Salina, and Manti